Craftsmanship

Exodus 35:35

Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.

Bezalel and Oholiab: In Exodus, God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab to create artistic designs for the tabernacle. They are filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and various craftsmanship skills. Their work involves gold, silver, bronze, stone cutting, and wood carving.

Ephesians 2:10: Although not directly about craftsmanship, this verse highlights that we are God’s “workmanship” (or “masterpiece”) created for good works in Christ Jesus. It emphasizes God’s creative purpose in shaping our lives.

Jesus and St. Joseph: While not explicitly mentioned, Jesus and St. Joseph serve as models of craftsmanship through their carpentry work. By creating tangible beauty, they invite others to experience the divine.

In summary, craftsmanship in the Bible reflects God’s creativity and invites us to participate in His work through skillful endeavors.

Craftsmanship can have so many diverse meanings to many individuals.

The definition of craftsmanship:

- Skill in a particular craft:

-” The quality of design and work shown in something made by hand; artistry:”

-"A piece of fine craftsmanship."

Craftsmanship is defined by a steadfast commitment to quality. It is a quality that comes from creating with passion, care, and attention to detail. Craftsmanship reflects a deep understanding of materials, tools, and techniques.

Such as would be said about me and my craftsmanship. I’m a chef of 20 plus years. I have honed my art to create some of the most exquisite dishes. I say, exquisite dishes, because to me, the food that I create is absolutely amazing. Others in my field would probably say otherwise because they have honed their skills to a level I have not yet reached. To get to the next level or reach absolute perfection I’m seeking, I myself have to keep pushing, learning, and striving. Yes, I have to keep moving forward but also give it all to God. Giving it all to God will help me attain the next level I’m looking for.

 Such as in Book of Exodus, specifically Exodus 25–31 and 35–40, is the main source describing the tabernacle. Describing the creation and manufacturing of the tabernacle, the design of it, and the craftsmanship it took to make it. The art, time, wisdom, and creativity involved. The men who created it had to have been blessed in such a way that God was with these men God was with them every step of the way. The creation of the tabernacle is a way of saying and showing us that craftsmanship is how we create everything for God. Also, that God is always with us as we create. When we create, it all comes from Him. It flows from Him, then it passes through us to create what He has planned.  

I would say I’m an artist in my field and I create works of art. Works of art that are produced in my dishes. The way I create these dishes comes only from God. He gives me wisdom, an art with food that He has provided to feed His people.

The men who were put in charge of crafting the tabernacle were humbled by being given the opportunity. I say one of the highest honors of that time. An honor of a lifetime to be appointed with the creation of something that followers had not seen. The Tabernacle was considered to be the place where God’s divine presence dwelled among the Israelites. It was richly symbolic in the truths regarding God and allowed fellowship with Him and His chosen people.

I would say craftsmanship translates into creating. When God speaks to me, and I then create the subjects and in my writings every week.  In those subjects that God speaks to me about he provides me with insight, knowledge, wisdom and truth. In the time I spend researching I become so many things. A writer, an artist, a researcher, a teacher, and a student. Such would be said to when we are doing anything in our normal today lives. We become teachers, employees, or multiple things. Multiple suits from being a son, employee etc. We all have multiple images that we don’t see cause were all too busy and caught up in our little world.

“A craftsman is someone who has mastered skills in a chosen profession. The craftsmen, through many hours of study, practice, discipline, focus and passion, can excel in one of any number of professions – sports, dance, law, history, plumbing, medicine, carpentry and on and on. To be a chef requires craftsmanship.”

Types of craftsmanship include but not limited to these 5:

1. Woodworking: Creating objects from wood using techniques like sawing, planning, and carving.
2. Metalworking: Working with metals to create jewelry, sculptures, and tools.
3. Textiles: Crafting with fabrics to make clothing, home decor, and other items.
4. Calligraphy and Illumination: Ancient arts involving writing and decorative designs.
5. Stone masonry and Masonry: Craftsmanship in architecture and

I pray that you or I become great craftsmen in our fields or in anything you or I do. Anything we all do is all for God and He has gifted us of everything that we have. He blesses us every day with amazing gifts and wonderful talents that we all take for granted. I say we turn to our heavenly father and yell out to Him and say thank you. Thank you for my gifts my, my wisdom, my talents, etc.

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” (Psalm 19:1)

 “Do people look at God’s creation and marvel in the same way as the museum onlookers?  Do we look with amazement as God’s handiwork?  Do we go outside, traveling from one place to the other in such a rush that we don’t even consider the era that God created the heavens and the earth; ‘in the beginning?’  Do we even think about how omniscient God is, apparent in the detailed creative work of the various plants, trees, flowers, and other agricultural sights?  Do we sense God’s power when we look with the human eye at the sky above?” 

Have you ever gotten inspired looking up at the clouds in the sky and notice how they form shapes that strike a spiritual chord?  A couple weeks I saw a large dark multiple colored cloud that appeared to have a body and two wings, flying upward as if He had completed his God-given assignment.  On multiple occasions I have seen jet streams that have formed one, but three crosses in the sky.  Do you or I think that view rang a bell about our Savior’s sacrifice? 

A couple years ago, while looking out of a window in Texas, I was waiting for an appointment, what I usually just see as some weeds, I saw what once were seen as weeds transformed into some beautiful wheat-colored flowers, blowing in the wind, as if their job was to put onlookers in a state of peace, lulled into a silent state of serenity.

Let us be truthful, many times, all of us have failed to appreciate the craftsmanship of God. I dare us to do something different. Let's address this deficiency by devoting just a short time to looking at the beautiful craftsmanship of God.  Sit out on your patio or standing in your yard or staring out of the window in your house that gives you a clear view of God’s creation.  You maybe are looking for inspiration, you will find it.  If you are looking to be in a better state of appreciation for God’s craftsmanship, I promise you will find it!  If you are looking for something to stir up your thoughts about the character of God, don’t look at the stuff around you, but turn your head to the sky and see what happens. I believe that your internal nature will be changed by the art of the visible, external nature that was painted by God Himself! I believe that you will feel more powerful when you think about how our powerful God spoke it all into creation and coming to the conclusion that He is the same powerful God that is with you from day to day. From the rising of the sun until the going down of the sun on the same day and through your sleep hours where the One who does not slumber looks after you.

I don’t know about you, but I am going to be more like the Psalmist above in the heavens today and see the works of God, appreciate His craftsmanship.  Then, I am going to see myself as a sort of canvas that God is working on!  Perhaps I will consider myself as a piece of clay that the Potter is still molding into what He wants me to be, using the technique of sanctification.  All of us, including you, need to recognize God is not through with us ever and always molding us to be the best of what He has always intended for us. Thank God for the graceful and merciful ways He is continuing to work on us!

On your morning break from work, after breakfast, etc. I ask you to look outside and appreciate God’s craftsmanship, appreciate your Creator.  If you cannot go outside, picture God’s creation in your mind and see how that impacts you in a positive way. Have a great wonderful, blessed Saturday, August 10, 2024! Also have a blessed wonderful rest of your year. Be blessed! God bless you all!

“Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made.  So those people have no excuse at all!” (Romans 1:20)